Did you know that magical trees grow in Scotland? Throughout May, June and July our countryside, woodlands and hedges are covered in frothy white flowers which perfume the air. These are the blossom of three different trees that are very important in Scottish folklore. They are also a valuable food source for people, animals, birds and insects.
Hawthorn – gateway to fairyland
The first to bloom in May and early June is the Hawthorn, a small thorny tree with arching branches covered in small white flowers that have a distinctive almond like scent. It was often planted in hedges along the edges of fields to shelter crops from the weather, but you will also see it growing wild in groups or standing alone. In Scottish folklore it is lucky to have Hawthorn growing on your land but very unlucky to bring the blossom in to the house in the month of May. Where you see a lone tree growing it is said to be a gateway to the fairy kingdom. It was also believed that Hawthorns had a spirit guardian who protected the tree and would punish those who cut down or damaged it in any way.
Hawthorn close up
A very famous Scottish folk tale features the Eildon Tree; a Hawthorn that had grown for many years near the village of Earlston in the Scottish Borders. In the 13th century Earlston was home to a man known as Thomas Rhymer. One day Thomas was lying on the slope beneath the tree when he saw a beautiful lady dressed in green silk, mounted on a milk white horse. The beautiful being was the Fairy Queen who dared Thomas to kiss her, then took him with her into Fairyland. Thomas returned home after seven days but found that he had actually been away for seven years. The Fairy Queen gave Thomas the gift of prophecy, but she also cast a spell that meant he was unable to tell a lie. Thomas became known for being able to predict the future, including his prophesy that as long as the Eildon tree stood, the village of Earlstone would prosper. In 1814 a storm uprooted the tree. Later that year many of the local merchants became bankrupt and the whole village went into decline.
Like many plants and trees, parts of the Hawthorn can be eaten. The young leaves can be eaten in salads, and syrups and jellies can be made from the blossoms and the haws (berries) which appear in autumn.
Rowan – protection from witches
The Rowan or Mountain Ash is found all over Scotland. In June it produces creamy white mounds made up of hundreds of tiny flowers. These become glowing red berries in late summer and are an iconic sight in Scotland.
Rowan
Traditionally the Rowan was planted beside houses as protection against witches and evil spirits. Its twigs were tied over doorways, barns and cradles for protection, and cutting down a Rowan was forbidden. The wood was used to stir milk to prevent it from curdling, and as a pocket charm against rheumatism. So much from one tree! It’s even celebrated in a 19th century song ‘Rowan Tree’ which tells of the close ties between a Rowan tree and the lives of the family who live beside it. https://youtu.be/O_tWgjmbAog
Rowan berries
Birds love eating the berries and seem to know just when they are at the peak of ripeness! For humans, the raw berries are bitter and inedible but can be cooked to make a deep orange jelly that is delicious with cheese, game and lamb.
Elder
Elder – the most powerful magical tree
July is the month to see the flowers of the Elder, a shrubby tree that is very common. Hundreds of tiny individual flowers form large flat plates of white blossom which become clusters of purplish black berries in autumn. On warm days the scent of the flowers wafts on the breeze. It was believed the tree is protected by a guardian spirit, Mother Elder, and anyone taking flowers or berries must first gently touch the tree and ask for Mother Elder’s permission. The Elder was thought to be the most protective and powerful of all trees so it’s no wonder that the Elder Wand – the most powerful wand in existence – and which features in the Harry Potter books and films, was made from this tree.
Elder flower cordial
Elder flowers can be used to make sparkling ‘champagne’, and a delicious cordial which has become popular as an ingredient in cocktails and for adding to sparkling wine. I make the cordial every summer and enjoy a splash of it in icy cold gin or prosecco while enjoying the sun in the garden. The flowers can also be dipped in batter and deep fried to produce delicate fritters; dredged in icing sugar and served with strawberries this makes a wonderful dessert which is a real taste of summer. The luscious purple/black berries are a treat for many birds in early autumn but they can also be made into wine, jam and syrup that is high in Vitamin C. I really enjoy picking the berries in autumn and turning them into wonderful drinks and preserves.
If you travel through Scotland in the summer months, look out for these beautiful and special trees but remember to beware of tree spirits and the Fairy Queen!
Disclaimer
Please note: some plants are toxic. Therefore you should not eat any flower’s berries or any other parts of plants or trees, unless you are completely certain it is safe to do so.
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